Today was fun.
Team went to the market (grocery store) got some snacks and goodies.
Finished up some projects, including more cleaning.
Took pictures of the kids-FUN!
The group got to work on some crafts, and planning for a Thanksgiving skit/show that the children are going to put on.
Watched part of The Incredibles with the big kids (downstairs).
Had dinner with the boys at the guest house and hung out.
Another great day in Haiti.
G'nite.
Showing posts with label Parkway at Three Angels in Haiti. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parkway at Three Angels in Haiti. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Another good day.
Today we got a lot of work done.
Painting.
Cleaning.
Building.
Loving on the kids.
Playing with the kids.
Had the best dinner ever at the guest house.
There have been a lot of changes at the O since I've gotten involved. I like what I see.
The children at Three Angels Children's Relief are LOVED.
God is great.
Let's see, some random child updates:
Dave can recognize numbers and say most of his ABC's.
Ellie, Matu, Jamesly, Kethia and Kervens can say their whole ABC'S.
Rebecca, Sara and Jean Baptiste are absolutely adorable in their school uniforms.
Reece, Daniel, Steeve and Elmise are all seeming so grown up...big kids!
Jonathon is as cute and funny as ever.
Stephania is thriving downstairs.
Guerwyns (spelling?) is a baby boy looking for a forever family.
Lukeson is also a baby boy looking for his forever family.
Julie and Darwing are CUTE. Julie seems to have settled in, last time I was here, she was very new, and seemed so unsure of herself. Not any more!
Sebastian and Renato are cute cute cute! And happy too.
Hermann aka Armon is doing well. He took a very long nap today.
I'm sure there are others, but that's all I have time for now.
Keep your prayers coming!
G'nite.
Painting.
Cleaning.
Building.
Loving on the kids.
Playing with the kids.
Had the best dinner ever at the guest house.
There have been a lot of changes at the O since I've gotten involved. I like what I see.
The children at Three Angels Children's Relief are LOVED.
God is great.
Let's see, some random child updates:
Dave can recognize numbers and say most of his ABC's.
Ellie, Matu, Jamesly, Kethia and Kervens can say their whole ABC'S.
Rebecca, Sara and Jean Baptiste are absolutely adorable in their school uniforms.
Reece, Daniel, Steeve and Elmise are all seeming so grown up...big kids!
Jonathon is as cute and funny as ever.
Stephania is thriving downstairs.
Guerwyns (spelling?) is a baby boy looking for a forever family.
Lukeson is also a baby boy looking for his forever family.
Julie and Darwing are CUTE. Julie seems to have settled in, last time I was here, she was very new, and seemed so unsure of herself. Not any more!
Sebastian and Renato are cute cute cute! And happy too.
Hermann aka Armon is doing well. He took a very long nap today.
I'm sure there are others, but that's all I have time for now.
Keep your prayers coming!
G'nite.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Sunday
We went to church. The whole team, and the boys. Two people fell asleep in church. One was under the age of four. And one was not. :-) And he was asleep, asleep, not just nodding off. As in, someone tried to wake him a few times, and he did not respond. A picture was taken of said adult, however, it has since been deleted, due to an extreme amount of "trash talking" by the photographer. The Pastor laughed because the flash went off when the photo was taken. Oh yeah, we were sitting in the front two rows. Any guesses as to the identity of the sleepy head and the photographer?
It was fun to watch the boys get ready for church. Or more accurately, watch the nannies get them ready. I saw some hair care that I think I can manage, so that's encouraging. It's kind of like the boys are rockstars at the O, when we are here. They get to go out sometimes, they get their own clothes and some snacks and stuff. All the other kids know what/where the boys are going and so on. It's cute.
We did some cleaning and painting at the O today, along with the construction project out back. That is coming together well. I still can't believe that grill got here, as checked luggage. When you see the photos, you will understand why. Evidence that God is still in the miracle business.
Tomorrow, more painting, finishing up the kitchen, unpacking and organizing supplies. Also helping with some school stuff. Busy day.
Thanks for checking in.
Keep your prayers coming.
They are working.
God is great.
It was fun to watch the boys get ready for church. Or more accurately, watch the nannies get them ready. I saw some hair care that I think I can manage, so that's encouraging. It's kind of like the boys are rockstars at the O, when we are here. They get to go out sometimes, they get their own clothes and some snacks and stuff. All the other kids know what/where the boys are going and so on. It's cute.
We did some cleaning and painting at the O today, along with the construction project out back. That is coming together well. I still can't believe that grill got here, as checked luggage. When you see the photos, you will understand why. Evidence that God is still in the miracle business.
Tomorrow, more painting, finishing up the kitchen, unpacking and organizing supplies. Also helping with some school stuff. Busy day.
Thanks for checking in.
Keep your prayers coming.
They are working.
God is great.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
More pics.....
Reece
Buds!
Little?!?! Dave
Sarah
Sweetey Petey, Jean Ba and Jutane in the background
Stephania!
Shakira!
Sweetey Petey
Isaiah Daniel
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Our first day....
An emotional one, that is for sure.
Memories and feelings come rushing back once we get here. It's hard to explain. I'll try to say more about this another time.
Got to meet Michelle and Colleen.
Got to see old friends-and meet a few new ones.
Got to see Michelle and Noah reunite!
Got to see, touch, hug, kiss, the boys.
Got to introduce the boys to their papa.
Got to watch papa fall in love with the boys.
Got to work work work-on all the supplies.
By the way, Parkway Christian Church-you people ROCK. I went from 1 and a half bags, to SIX full bags, even at the last minute!! I sent out an email with some last minute needs, and 24 hours later, I had oodles of supplies (food stuff mostly) to bring down. And it worked out perfectly-the team had EXACTLY our 2 bags person. You have no idea how important this part of the mission is. There is no other way to get supplies here-so your willingness to help at the last moment really made a difference.
Got to hear first timer's impressions/observations.
Got to hold my little one til he fell asleep.
There's more, but those are the highlights. (sigh)
I think my heart might just burst. :-)
Tonight, I journaled in a journal that was given to me before my first trip. I've used it every time I've come here, usually in the days leading up, always during the trip, and for a few days after.
Tonight, I wrote something that took one page. At the bottom of each page is a verse. Here is the one for today's page. No date, just whenever I get to a new page, I use it. I write first then read the verse.
I am totally praising the Lord today! He does wonderful works. He satisfies my soul and is filling my hungry soul with goodness. I am so amazed/awed/blown away. I can't explain it, other than to say it is SO COOL to see God work....and he works everything out. There really is no need to worry. All we gotta do is pray! It's like having a front row seat at the best drama ever created!
Please pray that we get a DHS appointment this week, that we are able to get to it and that it goes well/smoothly to get this adoption moving on the Haitian side of things.
Thank you!
Memories and feelings come rushing back once we get here. It's hard to explain. I'll try to say more about this another time.
Got to meet Michelle and Colleen.
Got to see old friends-and meet a few new ones.
Got to see Michelle and Noah reunite!
Got to see, touch, hug, kiss, the boys.
Got to introduce the boys to their papa.
Got to watch papa fall in love with the boys.
Got to work work work-on all the supplies.
By the way, Parkway Christian Church-you people ROCK. I went from 1 and a half bags, to SIX full bags, even at the last minute!! I sent out an email with some last minute needs, and 24 hours later, I had oodles of supplies (food stuff mostly) to bring down. And it worked out perfectly-the team had EXACTLY our 2 bags person. You have no idea how important this part of the mission is. There is no other way to get supplies here-so your willingness to help at the last moment really made a difference.
Got to hear first timer's impressions/observations.
Got to hold my little one til he fell asleep.
There's more, but those are the highlights. (sigh)
I think my heart might just burst. :-)
Tonight, I journaled in a journal that was given to me before my first trip. I've used it every time I've come here, usually in the days leading up, always during the trip, and for a few days after.
Tonight, I wrote something that took one page. At the bottom of each page is a verse. Here is the one for today's page. No date, just whenever I get to a new page, I use it. I write first then read the verse.
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness,
and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
For he satisfieth the longing soul,
and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Psalm 107:8-9
I am totally praising the Lord today! He does wonderful works. He satisfies my soul and is filling my hungry soul with goodness. I am so amazed/awed/blown away. I can't explain it, other than to say it is SO COOL to see God work....and he works everything out. There really is no need to worry. All we gotta do is pray! It's like having a front row seat at the best drama ever created!
Prayer Requests:
Pray for stamina for the team. There's lots of work to do.
Pray that we all get good sleep and stay healthy.
Pray for a few people that are feeling anxious about a variety of things.
Pray for the people that we come in contact with-that they would see that we are different and that we could impact them and show them that EACH ONE MATTERS.
Please pray that we get a DHS appointment this week, that we are able to get to it and that it goes well/smoothly to get this adoption moving on the Haitian side of things.
Thank you!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Check out this blog...
Also if you want to stay informed, my friend Michele will be blogging from the States while we are away. You can view the mission team blog here.
I will blog here when/if I can from Haiti.
:-)
I will blog here when/if I can from Haiti.
:-)
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Isaiah 26:3 NLT
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A bit of encouragement from above-one of those 'random' things.....
I couldn't get this to upload directly here-it didn't work when I tried to embed it.
So you have to click the link to go watch the video. Hopefully this works.
So you have to click the link to go watch the video. Hopefully this works.
This video contains footage from my first trip to Haiti in July 2008.
It was compiled recently by a man on staff at our church who did not go on the trip,
and who, as far as I know, does not know our boys.
This was played in all of the weekend services at church about two or three weeks ago in relation to upcoming plans for mission trips/activities.
I love the praise and worship and study/reading of God's word. Make no mistake-what you see that looks like celebration is praise & worship-the children, the nannies, the teenage boys from Port au Prince Fellowship that came to the O and led a church service for the children at the O. I can't really explain how the praise and worship in Haiti makes me feel. It is so different from the 'typical' American church.
The boys are all over this video, and I'm even it, with Jean Ba.
And the song is one of my current favorite God songs at the moment. Play it all the time, and it moves me.
Another confirmation. A gift. A bit of encouragement from above.
God is great.
For those of you that don't know/recognize the boys watch for these times:
1:49 green shirt is JB
3:16 JB
3:33 Steeve
3:38 Me & JB (do I look happy when our eyes meet, or what?)
4:14 Steeve
4:20 JB
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Quick Update
We have all but 1 item back from the translator....and we'll have that one soon.
Then, off to Chicago for legalization.....going to use a courier, so that it can be hand delivered and get next day service. Might take 1-2 weeks with mail/shipping time, if all goes well.
Got to get out and copy a few docs, and then compile the entire dossier, and copy it.
It looks like we will have it together in time....please pray that this is so.
Also, please pray for the finances to come together-there is a hefty sum due (legal fees, mostly) when we submit our dossier.
And please pray that we receive our I71h letter/form soon too. It's only been about a week since I mailed the approved home study to USCIS. I have no idea what the turn around time is for something like that. Just praying that it arrives soon so that we can get the Haitian side of this adoption started.
Went to a meeting about the upcoming mission trip-our church is sending a team down soon. Details are coming together. 15 people. 4 returning to Haiti as short term missionaries. 6 teens. 11 people who have not had their life 'wrecked' by Haiti and seen what God is doing there. And hopefully, one set of swept off their feet adoptive parents........ :-) A papa who has not yet had the pleasure of meeting his children face to face. And a mama who would sleep on the floor and stay in Haiti til the boys could come home if they'd let her.
I have NO idea who those last 2 people might be, do you? ;-)
So excited for them all. Giving thanks for all that God has done, is doing and will do.
Pray people. Pray.
Then, off to Chicago for legalization.....going to use a courier, so that it can be hand delivered and get next day service. Might take 1-2 weeks with mail/shipping time, if all goes well.
Got to get out and copy a few docs, and then compile the entire dossier, and copy it.
It looks like we will have it together in time....please pray that this is so.
Also, please pray for the finances to come together-there is a hefty sum due (legal fees, mostly) when we submit our dossier.
And please pray that we receive our I71h letter/form soon too. It's only been about a week since I mailed the approved home study to USCIS. I have no idea what the turn around time is for something like that. Just praying that it arrives soon so that we can get the Haitian side of this adoption started.
Went to a meeting about the upcoming mission trip-our church is sending a team down soon. Details are coming together. 15 people. 4 returning to Haiti as short term missionaries. 6 teens. 11 people who have not had their life 'wrecked' by Haiti and seen what God is doing there. And hopefully, one set of swept off their feet adoptive parents........ :-) A papa who has not yet had the pleasure of meeting his children face to face. And a mama who would sleep on the floor and stay in Haiti til the boys could come home if they'd let her.
I have NO idea who those last 2 people might be, do you? ;-)
So excited for them all. Giving thanks for all that God has done, is doing and will do.
Pray people. Pray.
Monday, November 17, 2008
REMINDER-the deadline is fast approaching
Project Christmas Angel is underway....to benefit the children of Three Angel's Children's Relief.
Your help is needed to brighten a child's life this Christmas....
click here for the complete details.
THANKS!
Your help is needed to brighten a child's life this Christmas....
click here for the complete details.
THANKS!
Monday, August 25, 2008
oh my, I'm a proud mama
I just got these clips tonight-from my dear friend Melanie. Melanie is one of the people God used to get me interested in Haiti. She went with a team from Parkway in October of 2007. I happened to talk with her shortly after she returned, and became instantly intrigued by her heartfelt stories and all that she experienced.
When the next opportunity to go came up-I called Melanie to see if she was going-and she was planning to attend. This made me feel comfortable enough to make plans to go. God had other plans, and Melanie did not make this trip, but I went anyway, and now you know the rest of the story....
This above video is Steeve, singing one of my favorite songs: "What a Mighty God We Serve"
He's grown/changed quite a lot from when this clip was taken....it is so adorable!!!
Melanie-thank you for being obedient to God and going on your own mission trip and then sharing it with me! I will be forever grateful-and cannot wait til your special friend, Steeve comes to Arizona!! Won't he be thrilled to know you are near by and a member of our church family.
God is great!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Some of the kids at Three Angels
Here are a couple of my favorite pics of some of the kids.....I took a LOT of pics, so this is just a preview.....All of the kids in this post have forever families and are just waiting to go home.....PRAISE God!
Reece-funny man!
Reece-funny man!
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Things I no longer take for granted
While in Haiti, I recognized that I take a LOT of things for granted. So, while there, I started a list in my journal. I like to write things like that down, because I forget so often....my memory fades as life goes on. Here are some of the things on my list.
Thank you Jesus. I am grateful for each and everything on this list. I am grateful for your great love demonstrated through your sacrifice for me. I really don't have the words to convey my gratitude and thankfulness. I am so blessed-beyond measure-and I realize it. Every day is a gift, every person in my life is a gift. Each day is filled with a gazillion opportunities to share Christ's love with other people. I'm so thankful. Lord, please help me to make the most of all the opportunities you have for me. I love you and am forever yours. Amen.
- Ice cubes
- Cold water/Cold drinks
- Safe/clean water that tastes good-tap water!
- Electricity without multiple power outages a day
- Having a variety of food-fresh fruits and veggies, having enough food, having extra food-getting a snack whenever I want
- Flushing the toilet every time I use it
- Being able to flush toilet paper
- Air conditioning (the only places that had a/c were the airport and the market)
- Fans and ceiling fans (relates to electricity that stays on)
- Safe travel and driving-stop signs, traffic laws/rules, four way stop signs
- Jobs, a way to earn a living and provide/pay bills
- Showers-long, warm, coming out feeling clean and refreshed
- Curbside trash pick up and recycling at my home
- Freeways, paved roads, crosswalks
- Sandy beaches
- Seat belts
- Toilet paper
- My health, and access to quality medical care whenever I need it.
- My home-which is way bigger than the orphanage housing nearly 40 kids
- My family, imperfect as it is, they are my people.
- Relaxing on the couch
Thank you Jesus. I am grateful for each and everything on this list. I am grateful for your great love demonstrated through your sacrifice for me. I really don't have the words to convey my gratitude and thankfulness. I am so blessed-beyond measure-and I realize it. Every day is a gift, every person in my life is a gift. Each day is filled with a gazillion opportunities to share Christ's love with other people. I'm so thankful. Lord, please help me to make the most of all the opportunities you have for me. I love you and am forever yours. Amen.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Pictures
People from Christ's Church of the Valley and a father/son team from Indiana joined us
This pic was taken on departure day outside of Parkway Christian Church.
The Halos Medical Mission is on the campus of Three Angels and is one of 3 'branches' of the organization-the school and the orphanage being the other 2 'branches'.
This is a picture of the orphanage, taken from the courtyard.
Three Angels Christian Academy (the school)
www.ParkwayChristianChurch.com
Baby Kethia needs a forever family!
Kethia is 7 months old and very sweet. For more information, visit www.ThreeAngelsHaiti.org/adoptivechildren.htm
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Home Sweet Home
hi ya'all,
Well, I'm back from Haiti. What an amazing trip! What a blessing it was-great experience. I will write more details later on and pictures and more details to follow....I took a LOT of pics. And I will be getting a CD w/ pics that everyone on the team took.
Thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts/wishes. I appreciate them and they made a difference-I slept great, didn't get sick, had lots of energy and no aches/pains and no accidents.....woohoo!
I did get eaten alive by mosquitos-need to pray against malaria, that's for sure! Appreciate your prayers in this.
Lena
Well, I'm back from Haiti. What an amazing trip! What a blessing it was-great experience. I will write more details later on and pictures and more details to follow....I took a LOT of pics. And I will be getting a CD w/ pics that everyone on the team took.
Thanks for all your prayers and good thoughts/wishes. I appreciate them and they made a difference-I slept great, didn't get sick, had lots of energy and no aches/pains and no accidents.....woohoo!
I did get eaten alive by mosquitos-need to pray against malaria, that's for sure! Appreciate your prayers in this.
Lena
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Time Warp!
Well, this is our last evening in Haiti. Wow. Hard to believe. Seems like we just got here, and seems like we have always been here. Both are true at the same time....strange.
Today was the saddest day-saying good bye to the children at Three Angels. There were tears all around. We are blessed to have an adoptive mom and a young adult adoptive sibling as part of our group. They added an extra depth to our group. Also, 3 and sometimes 4 of the children that are being adopted into these two families were with us at the guest house. Very cool.
We did get to spend most of the day at Three Angels, which was nice. That is my favorite part of this trip. We gave the nannies some of our things-clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc. It was fun to watch-kinda like Christmas. They were so excited. And generous with each other-they did not fight over stuff but shared it very willingly and openly. Truly a lesson in receiving.
It is hotter and more humid today-everything was more challenging due to the weather. Please say a prayer for our chaperone from Three Angels-Cara, she is not feeling well, probably dehydrated. We need to lift her up as we are all getting onto an airplane in the morning. No fun to travel when you're not feeling well. I pray that she will wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and healthy-better than ever.
I have so much more I want to say, but it will have to wait. I'm still having trouble finding words to describe all of this. It's been an incredible experience, in so many ways. God is great.
G'nite.
Today was the saddest day-saying good bye to the children at Three Angels. There were tears all around. We are blessed to have an adoptive mom and a young adult adoptive sibling as part of our group. They added an extra depth to our group. Also, 3 and sometimes 4 of the children that are being adopted into these two families were with us at the guest house. Very cool.
We did get to spend most of the day at Three Angels, which was nice. That is my favorite part of this trip. We gave the nannies some of our things-clothing, shoes, toiletries, etc. It was fun to watch-kinda like Christmas. They were so excited. And generous with each other-they did not fight over stuff but shared it very willingly and openly. Truly a lesson in receiving.
It is hotter and more humid today-everything was more challenging due to the weather. Please say a prayer for our chaperone from Three Angels-Cara, she is not feeling well, probably dehydrated. We need to lift her up as we are all getting onto an airplane in the morning. No fun to travel when you're not feeling well. I pray that she will wake up in the morning feeling refreshed and healthy-better than ever.
I have so much more I want to say, but it will have to wait. I'm still having trouble finding words to describe all of this. It's been an incredible experience, in so many ways. God is great.
G'nite.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I am in love!
I am in love with the country of Haiti-the people, the sites, the sounds, all the work going on. I am in love with the children of Haiti-the orphans at Three Angels and the children (babies, mostly) in Mother Theresa's hospital. It is an amazing place, and I think that every American should visit at least once. Your life will be changed. I know that mine has, already.
I just can't get over the contrasts here....and I will write more on that later.
The hospital visit was very sad, and yet full of joy at the same time. There is so musch suffering...and yet there is love. We can do so little, and yet, we can do so much. We must do what we can.
It was a difficult visit at the hospital-the parents can only visit for a short time. The bell rang, and they had to leave. And then, the serious howling, crying and wailing began. Oh what an experience.
We all did what we could for who we could.....it wasn't enough, and yet it was just enough. What we must not forget is that this is not our work. It is the Lord's work. We all have a part to play, however small, however short. We must do what we can right here, right now to show love to people. God commands it.
I fed two babies...one an orphan, without any i.d. tag. no name, no date of birth, no date of admission. very sad. I also got peed on a time or two. I'm not a big fan of cloth diapers, fyi. And then, I was drawn to a tiny baby boy-his tag said 9 months old. And he probably didn't weigh but 10 pounds. skin and bones. just laying there. I picked him up and held him, and caressed him and rocked him for about 2 hours. So light. ugh. I tried to touch him, because of the 'failure to thrive' syndrome.....I rubbed his back, his belly, his feet, his legs and so on. We sat and rocked and coo-ed. By the end of my time with him he was smiling and pulling on my fingers-quite a grip for such a tiny little thing. It was an amazing time, just being fully present and doing the only thing I could do in the moment. And for this, I am grateful.
We went to Three Angels in the afternoon-and again, the contrast is huge. Took some kids outside and played. Blew bubbles, rode on bikes, ran, played with a ball, simple things really. But the kids laughed and smiled and their faces lit up. Lots of energy there!
Oh, and a 'coincidence' (there is no such thing) the baby I was drawn to hold at the hospital has the same first and middle name of the little one I am in love with at Three Angels and that I want to bring home with me. Permanently. I took it as a sign from God.
God is GREAT! and He is doing great things.....He is also doing small things through me, and I am awed to be a part of it.
Lots of power outages tonight, so I'm gonna go now...
I just can't get over the contrasts here....and I will write more on that later.
The hospital visit was very sad, and yet full of joy at the same time. There is so musch suffering...and yet there is love. We can do so little, and yet, we can do so much. We must do what we can.
It was a difficult visit at the hospital-the parents can only visit for a short time. The bell rang, and they had to leave. And then, the serious howling, crying and wailing began. Oh what an experience.
We all did what we could for who we could.....it wasn't enough, and yet it was just enough. What we must not forget is that this is not our work. It is the Lord's work. We all have a part to play, however small, however short. We must do what we can right here, right now to show love to people. God commands it.
I fed two babies...one an orphan, without any i.d. tag. no name, no date of birth, no date of admission. very sad. I also got peed on a time or two. I'm not a big fan of cloth diapers, fyi. And then, I was drawn to a tiny baby boy-his tag said 9 months old. And he probably didn't weigh but 10 pounds. skin and bones. just laying there. I picked him up and held him, and caressed him and rocked him for about 2 hours. So light. ugh. I tried to touch him, because of the 'failure to thrive' syndrome.....I rubbed his back, his belly, his feet, his legs and so on. We sat and rocked and coo-ed. By the end of my time with him he was smiling and pulling on my fingers-quite a grip for such a tiny little thing. It was an amazing time, just being fully present and doing the only thing I could do in the moment. And for this, I am grateful.
We went to Three Angels in the afternoon-and again, the contrast is huge. Took some kids outside and played. Blew bubbles, rode on bikes, ran, played with a ball, simple things really. But the kids laughed and smiled and their faces lit up. Lots of energy there!
Oh, and a 'coincidence' (there is no such thing) the baby I was drawn to hold at the hospital has the same first and middle name of the little one I am in love with at Three Angels and that I want to bring home with me. Permanently. I took it as a sign from God.
God is GREAT! and He is doing great things.....He is also doing small things through me, and I am awed to be a part of it.
Lots of power outages tonight, so I'm gonna go now...
Sunday, July 13, 2008
The Gift of Another Day!
Today is Sunday, and in Haiti, they take the day of rest seriously. So we did too. We went to church and arrived early in order to get a seat on a hard wooden pew. If you don't get there early, you sit or stand outside. It was a long service, filled with worship-lots of singing. It was in English too. Met some interesting people.
Then we went to the 'beach'. In Haiti the beaches are different than what we are used to. We made sandwiches and enjoyed the breeze and the water. Took a couple of kids with us, and they had never seen the ocean or even spent that much time outside, so that was pretty cool.
The ride to the beach was interesting. The poverty and street scene never really got better. Although, there were a few points that it seemed better, but not really. We passed the capital/president's home. That is where the most recent rioting that was in the news before we came took place. Things are still damaged-windows boarded up etc. Even up to about the 4th floor on some buildings. Amazing.
Another interesting thing I noticed today-in addition to stray dogs wandering the streets, there are chickens, roosters, goats and pigs. Wandering the streets. Not every day you see pigs and goats at the beach!
Tomorow is a visit to Mother Theresa's orphanage/hospital, then back to Three Angels...and before we know it we will be headed for home. Amazing. I have so much more to say-but I'll have to do that another time as people are waiting for the computer.
www.ThreeAngelsHaiti.org
Then we went to the 'beach'. In Haiti the beaches are different than what we are used to. We made sandwiches and enjoyed the breeze and the water. Took a couple of kids with us, and they had never seen the ocean or even spent that much time outside, so that was pretty cool.
The ride to the beach was interesting. The poverty and street scene never really got better. Although, there were a few points that it seemed better, but not really. We passed the capital/president's home. That is where the most recent rioting that was in the news before we came took place. Things are still damaged-windows boarded up etc. Even up to about the 4th floor on some buildings. Amazing.
Another interesting thing I noticed today-in addition to stray dogs wandering the streets, there are chickens, roosters, goats and pigs. Wandering the streets. Not every day you see pigs and goats at the beach!
Tomorow is a visit to Mother Theresa's orphanage/hospital, then back to Three Angels...and before we know it we will be headed for home. Amazing. I have so much more to say-but I'll have to do that another time as people are waiting for the computer.
www.ThreeAngelsHaiti.org
Friday, July 11, 2008
What an Amazing Day!
Just a quick note to say hi while the power and internet are up....
We had an amazing day at Three Angels today. Played w/ the kids/babies, helped clean and organize a supply closet and storeroom, painted, cleaned up in the yard and did a Vacation Bible School lesson, among other things. The team is really kicking butt on getting the labor/work done-the paint crew, the concrete and misc. crews are really working hard and accomplishing a lot.
Haiti really is a country of contrasts. I'll write more about that later, when I return home. But over and over I am struck by the contrasts and differences I see. On Sunday we will go to church and Monday we'll visit Mother Theresa's orphanage. I anticipate that will be a spirit filled day.....
This really is an adventure and we really are doing God's work...it's overwhelming, exhausting and uplifting and energizing all at the same time!
God Bless!
Be sure to visit www.threeangelshaiti.org for info on the Orphanage, School and Medical Mission. You can do a little by simply giving up your lattes or some other unnecessary habit......even $5 or $10 can make a difference. Or maybe God's calling you to do something more, something bigger.....travel here? donate money? sponsor a student at the school? tell others about the work that Three Angels is doing? Pray for the kids? I don't know what you are to do, but I know we all (Americans) can do something! There are so many things we take for granted in the states....electricity, ice cubes/cold water, safe water, air conditioning, water-showers, safe roads to travel on....oh my, I could go on and on. Pray about what God would have you do to help....you can do something.....I know it!
We had an amazing day at Three Angels today. Played w/ the kids/babies, helped clean and organize a supply closet and storeroom, painted, cleaned up in the yard and did a Vacation Bible School lesson, among other things. The team is really kicking butt on getting the labor/work done-the paint crew, the concrete and misc. crews are really working hard and accomplishing a lot.
Haiti really is a country of contrasts. I'll write more about that later, when I return home. But over and over I am struck by the contrasts and differences I see. On Sunday we will go to church and Monday we'll visit Mother Theresa's orphanage. I anticipate that will be a spirit filled day.....
This really is an adventure and we really are doing God's work...it's overwhelming, exhausting and uplifting and energizing all at the same time!
God Bless!
Be sure to visit www.threeangelshaiti.org for info on the Orphanage, School and Medical Mission. You can do a little by simply giving up your lattes or some other unnecessary habit......even $5 or $10 can make a difference. Or maybe God's calling you to do something more, something bigger.....travel here? donate money? sponsor a student at the school? tell others about the work that Three Angels is doing? Pray for the kids? I don't know what you are to do, but I know we all (Americans) can do something! There are so many things we take for granted in the states....electricity, ice cubes/cold water, safe water, air conditioning, water-showers, safe roads to travel on....oh my, I could go on and on. Pray about what God would have you do to help....you can do something.....I know it!
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